Corio headspace secures vital mental health funding after pandemic struggles

A financial lifeline will keep a Corio headspace site open to provide critical support for young people in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The federal government is delivering new, dedicated funding to support youth mental health by formally establishing a headspace satellite service in Corio.

The headspace site at Corio Village, first announced in May 2019, was temporarily closed during the Covid pandemic.

The new funding will allow it to continue as an official service.

Funding of $1.7m over four years from 2021-22 will go to the Western Victoria Primary Health Network to commission the service to meet the needs of young people.

It comes just days after it was revealed Neami National would operate a separate federally funded facility in the northern suburbs.

Funding of $1.7m over four years will go to the Western Victoria Primary Health Network to commission the headspace service for young people in need of mental health support.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said young people had been affected significantly by the Covid-19 pandemic, and access to mental health services and support was more important than ever.

“We know that the pandemic and the measures taken to contain it have been incredibly difficult and stressful for many Australians, and particularly younger Australians,” Mr Hunt said.

“That is why we are prioritising mental health support, ensuring that young people have access to care to help them recover and reach their full potential as we reopen the country.”

Headspace offers early intervention services across four key areas – mental health, related physical health, social and vocational support, and alcohol and other drug use.

Services are co-designed with young people to ensure they are relevant, accessible and effective.

Geelong-based Senator Sarah Henderson said investment in a dedicated headspace in the Corio electorate would be welcomed by young people, parents and teachers and “would be a major asset for young people living in Geelong’s north”.

“During the past 18 months, so many teenagers and young adults have struggled,” she said. “Access to services to improve resilience, bolster mental health and increase connectivity, as life starts to return to normal, will be invaluable to so many young people.”

Headspace also has a centre in Geelong and a satellite centre in Ocean Grove.

Young Australians needing support can access free services through their local headspace or online through eheadspace.

Australians looking for support throughout the Covid-19 pandemic can access the Beyond Blue Coronavirus Wellbeing Support Service via telephone at 1800 512 348 or online at coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au.

Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health.

Originally published as Corio headspace secures vital mental health funding after pandemic struggles